The United States takes on Germany in their next matchup of the 2014 World Cup games on Thursday. With Coach Klinsmann giving the world a sick note, the game should have plenty of traction from the fans. But which team will have traction on the pitch? And what players will be key in conquering this game?

When: Thursday, June 26

Where: Arena Pernambuco, Recife 

Start Time: 9 a.m. PT

Schedule: ESPN, Univision

Live Stream: ESPN, Univision

Players to Watch For:

Germany

Thomas Muller (forward) - Thomas Muller, who was held scoreless versus Ghana, will look to get back to his game one scoring ways where he posted a hat trick against Portugal. Muller, who is the Golden Boot winner of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where he scored five goals and had three assists, will be looking to regain the top spot in this year's World Cup, with a good performance against the Americans.

Mesut Ozil (forward) - Mesut Ozil, who is one of 10 finalists for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball award, which is the award for the Cup's MVP, is a key setup man for the German attack. Ozil, regarded by many as one of the top creative midfield players in the world. He has yet to be directly involved in any of Germany's six goals in this year's tournament. The United States will have to keep a close eye on the German playmaker.

Phillip Lahm (midfield) - The German and Bayern Munich captain will play an important role as the holding midfield player for his side. His work could allow the rest of the midfield trio the freedom needed to break through the American defense. 

The entire lineup - Germany's lineup is composed of world class players in every position. Not one player on the lineup will be worth missing out on.

United States

Clint Dempsey (forward) - The American captain will be looking to get on the score sheet for the third straight match. Dempsey will be expected to play the lone striker role again with Jozy Altidore being declared out for the match due to injury. 

Jermaine Jones (midfield) - The German-American midfielder has arguably been the most complete outfield player for the Americans this tournament. His defensive effort and ability to cover the field will again be needed for the Americans to get the needed result. 

Michael Bradley (midfield) - Although Bradley has been scrutinized endlessly for Portugal's equalizing goal, in reality, Bradley is still the American's general of the midfield. He will need to continue to play off Dempsey's target play and help control the tempo for the United States' possession game. 

Fabian Johnson (defender) - Another of the German-Americans, Johnson has established himself as a true threat down the right flank. The United States should look to get him involved often, attacking the less-mobile German fallbacks with service into the box.